The formation of a highly moral and culturally enlightened personality has long been the highest principles that have always guided and continue to guide young Russian Orthodox families in the process of raising their children. Showing a humane attitude towards elders, providing the necessary help and support to those in need, are important human actions that children should be taught to do, starting from their early age.
That is why the icon of the Mother of God “Nurturing” is one of the most revered sacred images in Russia. After all, it is she who, with the help of her unique miraculous properties, helps people to properly educate their young talent.
The history of the appearance of the “Education” icon
The history of the Education icon is poorly known. This is a rare image, which, according to the form of writing, belongs to the Hodihydrius type. This style of icon painting was inherited by Russia from Byzantium. Some suggest the icon's Greek origin.
Be that as it may, the image of the Mother of God is known for helping those praying in the difficult work of raising children. It is believed that prayer in front of this icon instills in children the fear of God and faith in Christ. In addition, turning to the Queen of Heaven, the mother of all people, gives the child protection and Divine guardianship.
People so often resorted to the help of the Intercessor that over time even a short prayer appeared, read in front of the “Education” icon: “I entrust my child entirely to my Lord Jesus Christ and to Your, Most Pure One, heavenly protection.”
Unfortunately, the ancient icon, kept in the Kazan Cathedral in Moscow, was lost in 1917. The revolutionary years are a difficult time for the people of Russia and for the Russian Orthodox Church. Then valuable icons were exported abroad, and some relics were destroyed in a fit of atheistic reforms. Therefore, it is difficult to guess where the missing image of “Education” is now.
Nowadays, there is a detailed list of the icon, which is located on the site of the former shrine. A temple dedicated to this image of the Mother of God was recently built in the Moscow region. Christians still reverently revere the icon and turn to it with fervent prayers.
Amazing image
How to raise godly daughters and sons? Modern psychology and pedagogy are aimed at atheists. Therefore, selfishness and arbitrariness flourish in society. The immeasurable parental love makes girls and boys even more confused. Divine grace must descend on the souls of parents. And this happens only with a sincere appeal to God and His Most Pure Mother in prayer or akathist.
“Pray first, and then speak to your children with love.
Because with our conversations we become annoying
for others, we cause their resistance and sometimes indignation.
So it's better to speak mysteriously to their hearts
through sacramental prayer than with their ears.”
Elder Porfiry Kavsokalivit
Icon of the Mother of God “Nurturing”
The miraculous image of the Mother of God “Education”, before which the above-mentioned akathist was written, acquired such a name from the fact that the answer in the form of the good help of the Queen of Heaven especially often condescended to parents who prayed before him for their children.
The day of veneration is March 18 (or March 5 according to the old calendar).
Story
The “Education” icon is one of the ancient icons of the Mother of God. Its ancestor is considered to be the greatest spiritual and moral Christian state in world history, with more than a thousand years of history, the Byzantine Empire. It is gratifying that this icon appeared precisely in Rus', in a country that chose the severity and greatness of Orthodoxy and became the spiritual successor of Byzantium.
Useful materials
Before the revolution, the place of her veneration was the Kazan Cathedral on Red Square. But the godless revolutionary hand punished many churches and shrines of the Russian Church. This house of God did not escape an evil fate. After the confiscation of church valuables, the original icon of the Mother of God “Education” was irretrievably lost. Later, icon painters managed to reproduce the list of the revered miraculous icon of the Mother of God and return the shrine to its original place.
Description
This image of the Mother of God is written in accordance with the canonical rules and the iconographic type of Hodegetria (Guide). The Virgin Mary holds on her left hand the baby Jesus, Her only Son. The Mother of God, in pensive humility, looks from the canvas a little to the side, tenderly and with love. With her right hand she points to Jesus as the only Savior of the human race. And little Jesus stretches out his palm to Mother’s face, just like an ordinary child stretches his little hands to the face of his most beloved, dear mother.
The figure of the Virgin Mary is dressed in a dark red maforium with three stars, one of which is hidden by a baby sitting in her arms. A golden border flows along the edge of the robe. Jesus is wearing a cloak-like fabric, as a prototype of the shroud. The upper part of the chest is naked (on some icons the chest is completely open).
Icon of the Mother of God “Nurturing”
Interesting fact
Despite the fact that the first Byzantine icons were characterized by a general asceticism, this image of the Mother of God is distinguished by solemnity and airiness. The icon painter managed to achieve this effect thanks to a sophisticated palette and light lines.
Description and meaning in Orthodoxy
The “Education” icon belongs to the Hodehydria type, which translated from Greek means “Guide”. The Virgin Mary holds the infant Christ in her arms. Jesus reaches out his hand to his mother's face. One of the main features of the image is the naked chest of Christ, personifying sacrifice and rejection of worldly vanity.
The color palette of the icon is traditional: the purple-red maforium of the Mother of God and the light shroud entwining the body of Christ stand out against a greenish or gold background. The face of the Virgin Mary, like on other Greek icons, is thoughtful and sad. Contemplating this image, a person experiences solemn and sad feelings.
“Education” conveys the emotional content of Scripture. Unfortunately, sometimes words are not as powerful to people as pictures. When we see the gaze of the Mother of God directed towards us, we feel compassion for Her spiritual feat, we feel Her love, we experience remorse and repentance. After all, the Mother of God gives her son to people. She sacrifices both herself and her child so that centuries later people have hope for spiritual salvation.
Just as the Queen of Heaven humbly accepted her duty and placed her life in the hands of God, so people rely on Christ. Children are not property. Children come into the world to fulfill the will of God. Therefore, the best thing a parent can do is to pray to the Lord and the Mother of God for their child.
The “Education” icon is traditionally considered the image in front of which such prayers will have the greatest power. Priests recommend placing it in the house so that at any moment you can turn to the Virgin Mary and ask for intercession.
Lyrics
The content of prayer requests can be found in the Orthodox prayer book.
Troparion
Voice 3:
“Without seed from the Divine Spirit, by the will of the Father you conceived the Son of God, from the Father without a mother before the age of existence, for our sake you were from You without a father, you gave birth to the flesh and you nourished the Child with milk, and do not cease to pray that our souls be delivered from troubles "
Kontakion
Voice 5th:
“Cleanse the souls of our feelings, we will see on the icon the glorious sacrament, the Creator of the universe and the Lord of the highest powers, held in our arms and nourished by Your breast like a Child, and, with fear and joy, worshiping You and our Savior born of You, we will cry: Rejoice, Lady , our Nourisher of life.”
Reverence
The image is revered in the Russian Orthodox Church, being an important part of the religious, spiritual and cultural heritage of our ancestors. The icon became famous for the numerous miracles that happened to children whose parents turned to it in prayer. Nowadays, this wonderful source of spiritual enlightenment does not dry out.
With humility and meekness, people again come to the Mother of God and ask Her for intercession. Many people strive to purchase an image to place at home. Another indication of the importance of this image is the number of prayers traditionally recited in front of it. There are two akathists dedicated to this iconographic image of the Mother of God.
The day of celebration of the “Education” icon is March 18 (March 5, old style). On this day it is important to turn to the Mother of God. As a rule, on the days of celebration, an akathist or at least a troparion to the image is read.
The path of Seraphim of Sarov to the Lord
Miracles began to happen to Prokhor from early childhood. One day, a little boy tagged along with his mother to see the progress of the construction of a new temple begun by his father. The child, driven by curiosity, climbed the bell tower and fell off it. However, the boy did not receive a single injury. Many considered this a sign of God’s special mercy.
Prokhor studied hard, loved to attend church services and pray. When he was ten years old, he became seriously ill. The Mother of God herself appeared to him and promised that he would soon recover. After some time, the icon of the Mother of God “The Sign” was carried past the widow’s house in a religious procession. The mother put the boy to her, and he began to recover. This event predetermined the fate of the child - he decided to devote his life to serving the Lord.
How does the holy image of the Mother of God “Education” help?
As is obvious from the name and as already written above, the miraculous image of the Mother of God helps in raising children. Modern people are fascinated by various methods developed by teachers for raising an ideal child. However, the main thing for a Christian is to raise his child to be a virtuous, honest and happy person. And for an Orthodox Christian it is unthinkable to raise a child without instilling love for God.
As a child grows up, he will inevitably face many temptations and temptations. It’s difficult to keep track of your child in everything, and it’s not necessary. Because if initially there is a place for Christ in the child’s heart, then he will find it and will adhere to the righteous path.
Some parents consider it important to accustom their son or daughter to temple, church, and prayers. Sometimes this causes protest or displeasure in the baby if he is restless. In such a situation, it is better not to punish the child, but to turn with prayer to the image of the Mother of God “Education”. By asking the Queen of Heaven for admonition for the child, a parent is able to help the child more than by instilling faith by force.
Our Lady will guide and protect the children. By turning to the Virgin Mary, a person finds consolation for himself and spiritual care for the child. If the baby is capricious, shows cruelty, is carried away by bad company, or shows strong youthful maximalism, then it’s time to pray to God.
Unfortunately, mom and dad don't last forever. One day, sons and daughters will be left alone in the world. And then only the Lord will be able to direct children to the path of truth. This is another reason why parents should seek the help of Our Lady.
Another akathist (for private reading)
Kontakion 1 To the chosen Voivode and good Educator of the Christian race, as having been delivered from the evil ones, let us write thanks to Thee, Thy servants, but, as having an invincible power, free my children from all troubles, and with tears I call to Thee:
Raise, O Lady, my children worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and create heirs of eternal blessings.
Ikos 1 Send an angel from Heaven for my child, intercede, O Most Holy One, with Thy Son and God, just as the mighty guardian Gabriel the Archangel was sent to You, and grant me worthy to cry out to You:
Raise my children to be an earthly Angel; raise my children, so that you may appear to them as a heavenly man.
Raise my children to be Your servant; raise my children, and call them the friend of Your Son.
Raise my children to love You with all their hearts and all their thoughts; raise my children to be perfect, as our Heavenly Father is perfect.
Raise my children to cry to you: Rejoice, full of grace, the Lord is with you; raise my children, always crying: God, be merciful to me, a sinner.
Raise, O Lady, my children worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and create heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 2 Seeing my maternal prayer for my children, I alone resort to You, take me under Your honest and merciful protection, so that they may cry to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 2 Send to my children how to serve You well, and fill their hearts with heavenly wisdom. Let me love this one, but despise this earthly one, and do not forbid my mouth to cry out to You like this:
Educate my children, feeding me with the milk of the hidden wisdom of God; raise my children, that they may seek you in all their lives.
Raise my children to be wise like serpents and simple like doves; raise my children to have a mind for good and not to sin.
Raise my children in wisdom against the wiles of the devil; raise my children to wisely organize their lives in the image of the saints.
Raise my children so that they may become like the wise man who founded his house on rocks; raise my children, so that, like wise virgins, they will not extinguish their lamps.
Raise, O Lady, my children worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and create heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 3 May the Power of the Most High overshadow my children for the sake of unceasing intercession before Your Son, for this sake, having known Your Motherly mercy for all who flow to God with faith, let them cry to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 3 My children have from God, I do not want to see them in eternal torment, but rather in the Book of the Life written and inheriting the eternal life. For this reason, Most Pure One, incline Your ear to the prayer of Your servant, who cries:
Educate my children so that they may avoid eternal torment; raise my children so that they may inherit eternal life.
Educate my children, as a guide to their mother-in-law, the path of their life in repentance; raise my children in hope of God’s mercy.
Raise my children through labor to acquire the grace of the Holy Spirit; raise my children, using the effort to delight the Kingdom of Heaven.
Raise my children so that they may be written in the Book of Animals; raise my children, so that at the Last Judgment of Your Son they will be placed at the right hand.
Raise, O Lady, my children worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and create heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 4 Having a storm within me, having doubtful thoughts and wanting my children to inherit an eternal life, with tears I pray to Thee, Mother of God, and in the hope and tenderness of my heart I sing to Thy Son: Alleluia.
Ikos 4 Hearing Thy voice saying to Thy Son: These which Thou hast given Me as an inheritance, preserve them forever, I stretch out my hand and heart to Thy mercy, that Thy servants may be my children and fulfill my petition like this:
Raise my children, taking me into Your chosen inheritance; raise my children to seek help from You alone.
Raise my children so that they may flee from sins that lead to destruction; raise my children so that they may find the path of repentance.
Raise my children, who enter through the narrow gates of the commandments of Your Son into Jerusalem on high; raise my children, may the doors of heaven be opened to them.
Raise my children so that they may dwell with all the saints; raise my children so that they may receive eternal life.
Raise, O Lady, my children worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and create heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 5 Let the eternal light, that is, Thy Son, the Most Holy Virgin, shine in the hearts of my children, so that they may feel the sweetness of heaven while still on earth and cry out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 5 Seeing my diligent prayer, offered up to Your glory like fragrant incense, do not turn Your face away from my children, lest they turn away from You, but rather hear the words of my mouth crying out to You:
Raise my poor children in spirit, for they are the Kingdom of Heaven; raise my crying children, so that they will be comforted.
Raise your meek children, for they will inherit the earth; raise my children to be hungry and thirsty for righteousness, so that they will be satisfied.
Raise my merciful children, for they will receive mercy; raise my children to be pure in heart, so that they will see God.
Raise up my children to be peacemakers, for these shall be called sons of God; raise my children to strive for righteousness, so that they may inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.
Raise, O Lady, my children worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and create heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 6 The whole Christian world preaches Your constant intercession to orphans, widows and mothers, who pray and cry to God for their children: Alleluia.
Ikos 6 May the heavenly light, shining with the rays of God’s grace in the souls of my children, illuminate for them the path leading to the eternal life, and may they follow it, overshadowed by Your almighty protection, to the Church of Your Son, from whom I call to You:
Raise my children, enlightening me with the light of Your Son; raise my children, so that in His light they will see the Light and direct their feet towards Him.
Raise my children, may they be the light of the world and may their light shine before people; raise my children, so that everyone who sees their good deeds will glorify the Heavenly Father.
Raise my children to love You and Your Son not only with their minds, but also with their hearts; raise my children to turn the eyes of their hearts to the Creator of all things.
Raise up my children to walk blamelessly in the law of the Lord; raise my child to be a faithful child to the Mother Church.
Raise, O Lady, my children worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and create heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 7 Desiring eternal salvation for my children, I stand with tears before Your venerable icon, O Lady, may you not despise my prayer and that of me who cry to Your Son: Alleluia.
Ikos 7 By the wondrous and unfathomable destinies of Your Son, I have drawn my children with my merciful hand under My grace-filled protection, so that with zeal I call to You:
Raise my children, seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness; raise my children, that they may find a priceless pearl and leave the rest.
Raise my children, so that they will not be left in the sea except for nurturing; raise my children so that they may be among the few of Your chosen ones.
Raise my children in every place to do the will of the Heavenly Father; raise my children so that they may follow in the footsteps of the Son of God.
Raise my children not to speak, nor to think of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit; raise my children to honor Thee, who gave birth to the Savior of our souls.
Raise, O Lady, my children worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and create heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 8 Wandering in this earthly and troubled valley, where will my children find joy and consolation, if not in You, Most Pure One? Travel with them and guide them on the true path, let them call to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 8 You are the merciful Mother of all, O Lady, and I want you to remain such as my child. Behold, I entrust them to You and, remembering Your abundant mercies, in humility I pray to You:
Raise my children in the tenderness of infancy, for such is the Kingdom of God; raise my children, that they may be the least of all, but at the same time great before God.
Raise my children to be merciful, as our Heavenly Father is merciful; raise my children, that they may remember that He has mercy on sinners.
Raise my children lovingly and praying for all of them; raise my children to abhor the enemies of God.
Raise my children to be faithful sons of the earthly Fatherland; raise my children to be trustworthy citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Raise, O Lady, my children worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and create heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 9 Those who fulfill all the good in their souls and hearts, drive away from them the spirit of evil-smelling atheism, giving from Your bounties to everyone and everyone according to their need, let them call to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 9 Vitiy of the worldly fellowship, who speak lies against Your omnipotent intercession, deliver them and look upon me, who cry out truly:
Raise my children to strongly resist the atheist; raise my children to stand firmly against God-hating teachings.
Raise my children not to accept the spirit of the sons of disobedience; raise my children to be watchful and praying, so that they do not fall into temptation.
Raise my children to run away from the joys of this world and the delights of this world; raise my children to avoid evil and do good.
Raise my children to have ears open to hear the voice of God; raise my children to keep the Word of God, making them partakers of the bliss of paradise.
Raise, O Lady, my children worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and create heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 10 Though to save the world, Thy Son came down from Heaven to call not the righteous, but sinners to repentance. For this reason, pray to Your Son for my children, so that those saved by You may cry out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 10 Be an indestructible wall, O Queen of Heaven, my child, so that under Your blessed protection they will be able to do many good deeds, for this reason I call You:
Raise my children in immaculate purity; raise my children to do the will of Your Son.
Raise my children to hate sin and all lawlessness; raise my child to love goodness and every virtue.
Raise my children who serve our God in obedience and chastity; raise my children to turn their hair to Your mercy in troubles.
Raise my children, as You are a quick Helper to all who flow to You with faith; raise my children, for I have no other help, no other hope.
Raise, O Lady, my children worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and create heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 11 Petit I vouchsafe Your irresistible intercession to my children, O Lady, and by Your grace open their mouths to cry out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 11 Light-receiving light from above, melting day and night from love for You and Your Son and neighbor, create their belly and do not despise me, who calls to You:
Raise my children to look at the Cross and the suffering of our Savior; raise my children who have eyes to see those who suffer around them.
Educate my children, that they may remember the words of the apostle: Bear one another’s burdens; raise my children so that they may be like the merciful Samaritan.
Raise my children, who labor in the vineyard, as good servants; raise my children in the hope of the coming of Your Son.
Raise my children in unceasing prayer and sobriety; raise my children to stand before You in reverence.
Raise, O Lady, my children worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and create heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 12 Fill the hearts of my children with the ineffable grace of the Holy Spirit, so that they may love Your Son and our God and You, O Blessed One, may they call the King of all: Alleluia.
Ikos 12 Singing Thy mercy, with whom my children are merciful and nourished, I cry to Thee, that Thou mayest not cease to pray for them to Thy Son, for I believe: Thou canst do all things, and may Thou fulfill my prayers as follows:
Raise my children to be filled with the Holy Spirit; raise my child Togo with grace firmly on the right path.
Raise my children, guiding them with the morning star, who is your Son, in the abode of the righteous; raise my children so that they may dwell in the house of the Heavenly Father.
Raise my meek child, silent and trembling at the words of God; raise my children to open their lips only to glorify the goodness of the Creator of all things.
Raise my children to honor their father and mother, according to the commandment; raise my children, that I may also become like a fig tree, bearing good fruit.
Raise, O Lady, my children worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven and create heirs of eternal blessings.
Kontakion 13 O All-Sung Mother of the Sweetest Jesus! Accept this small akathist prayer for my children, take me under Your grace-filled protection, grant them to think, speak and do things that attract You and Your Son, and send them in this timely life everything that instructs them to save their souls, so that they may call to God : Alleluia.
This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos “Angel from Heaven...” and the 1st kontakion “To the Chosen Voivode...”.
Prayer to the Lord Jesus Christ
Sweetest Jesus, God of my heart! You have given me children according to the flesh, but their souls are Your essence, as You redeemed us with Your priceless Blood. For this reason, I beg You, my Sweetest Savior: with Your grace, touch the hearts of my children (names) and my godchildren (names), protect them with Your Divine fear, keep them from bad inclinations and habits, direct them to the path of truth, goodness and beauty, arrange their lives , as You yourself want, and save their souls, in the image of fate. Amen.
Prayer to the Mother of God
O Most Holy Lady Virgin Theotokos, save and preserve under Your roof my children (their names), all youths, young women and infants, baptized and nameless and carried in the womb of their mother. Cover them with the robe of Your Motherhood, keep them in the fear of God and in obedience as a parent, pray to Your Son and our Lord to grant them what is useful for their salvation. I entrust them to Your mother’s supervision, for You are the Divine protection of Your servant. Amen.
Prayer to the Lord Jesus Christ by the Venerable Ambrose of Optina
Lord, You are the only One who weighs everything, who is able to do everything, and who wants to save everyone and come to the mind of Truth. Enlighten my child (name) with the knowledge of Thy truth and Thy holy will, strengthen him to walk according to Thy commandments and have mercy on me, a sinner, through the prayers of Thy Most Pure Mother, the Mother of God and the Ever-Virgin Mary, and Thy saints (all the patron saints of the family are listed), for Thou art glorified with Your beginningless Father and with Your Most Holy and Good and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Another prayer to the Lord Jesus Christ by the Venerable Ambrose of Optina
Merciful Lord, Jesus Christ, I entrust to You my child, which You have given to me, fulfill my prayer. I ask You, Lord, save him in ways that You Yourself know. Save him from vices, evil, pride, and let nothing contrary to You touch his soul. But grant him faith, love and hope for salvation, and may his life path be holy and blameless before God. Bless him, Lord, that my child may strive at every moment of his life to fulfill Your holy will, so that You, Lord, may always be with him by Your Holy Spirit. Lord, teach him to pray to You, so that prayer may be his support, joy in sorrow and consolation of life, and so that we, his parents, may be saved by his prayer. May Your angels protect him always. May my child be sensitive to the grief of his neighbors and may he fulfill Your commandment of love. And if he sins, then, Lord, vouchsafe him to bring repentance, and You, in Your ineffable mercy, forgive him. When his earthly life ends, take him to Your heavenly abode. Amen.
Prayer to the Guardian Angel
Holy Guardian Angel of my child (name), cover him with your protection from the arrows of the demon, from the eyes of the seducer, and keep his heart in angelic purity. Amen.
Where to place the icon in the house
Traditionally, icons in the house are placed in the “red corner”. To do this, choose the eastern side of the house. But in modern apartments it is not always possible to arrange an iconostasis according to this rule. Therefore, you can equip another corner or shelf, the main thing is not on the western wall.
The image of the Mother of God “Education” is recommended to be placed in a children’s room. Then the baby will be under the protection of the Mother of God. A candle or lamp is lit in front of the icon during prayer. The lamp can be left burning during the day. You can please the Heavenly Queen by decorating the image with flowers and burning incense in front of it.
It is not recommended to place mirrors, posters, or souvenirs next to the image. After all, during prayer a person turns to God, and worldly objects can distract attention and inspire vain thoughts.
How did the relic appear?
| Icon Blessing of Children 1890s I. Repin |
In the Gospels of Matthew and Mark there are references to the fact that children repeatedly came to the Savior, carefully listening to the sermons of the Son of God
The children who were pure in heart felt especially keenly the light emanating from Jesus Christ and enjoyed His attention, love and kindness. The Lord even set them as an example to his disciples: “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven... and whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me.”
Since then, in the Holy Scriptures, an innocent child, with joy and tenderness absorbing the grace reigning in the temple, is the personification of sincerity, meekness, humility and selfless faith in the Creator.
